1 |
Arrival to Paro, drive to Thimphu |
Arrival to Paro by flight and drive to Thimphu with stop at Tachog lhakhang to see traditional bridge built using ancient iron chains. Optionally transfer from land border with India. Stroll in Thimphu town and optionally visit of Tashichho dzong, the seat of the king and government. Other sightseeing subject to arrival time. |
2 |
Thimphu – Punakha |
Ride 86km, ~3h30m. In the morning you will receive the motorbikes and will get to know with the machine. Then ride to Buddha point, the stunning city viewpoint. Ride over 3500 meter hight Dochu-la pass. Descend to Wangdue/Punakha valley and visit Punakha dzong, the most intricately decorated castle in Bhutan and Chimmi lhakhang, the temple dedicated to 16th century “divine madman” Drukpa Kunley. Ride to nunnery with great views of the valley. |
3 |
Punakha – Haa |
Ride 170km, ~6-7h. This will be another long day. In the morning you will have to negotiate Dochu-la pass once again. It’s quite and ascent from Punakha which is just 1400 meters high. The road is mostly wide and scenic with lot of curves. In clear weather. The panorama of the mountains will welcome you in the pass (in clear weater). Now start descending to Simtokha where the right road goes to Thimphu and left to Paro and Haa – your destination. Reach to Chuzom (Confluence) between Paro and Thimphu. From here the narrow road is winding up to the Haa. This is very scenic section with less traffic. You will pass around Dobji dzong, which used to serve as a prison. Today it is a Buddhist monastery. Reach to Haa and accommodation in hotel or optionally in local farmhouse to experience traditional hospitality as a guest of Bhutanese family. If time permits you can ride further around Haa valley. |
4 |
Haa – Paro |
Ride 65km, ~3h. In the morning ride to Katsho gompa from where you can have a nice glimpse of the valley. Then start long ascending to Chele-la pass (3850m) which is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. In clear weather you can see the Kanchejunga to the west from the pass summit. Short ride after the pass, the holy mountain Jomolhari can be seen to the north as well. It’s worth of stretching legs in the pass, hiking bit up through the “forest” of the prayer flags. Start descending to Paro. Take a road above the airport and make a stop at the Airport viewpoint. Paro is considered as one of the most daring international airport in the world. Reach to Paro and visit the castle, Rimpung dzong, where Little Buddha movie was shot. Stroll in town. |
5 |
Paro |
Ride 35km, 1.5 hr. Today we will start with short ride below the famous Tiger's Nest monastery. We will park our motorbikes and will hike up to this most sacred point of Bhutan and it's most famous tourist place. You will need to hike up elevation difference of 600 meters and same amount down. Whole trip takes 4-5 hours including the sightseeing in temples, time depends on your shape. After lunch, we will ride to Drukyel dzong castle, currently undergoing reconstruction. The summit of holy Jomolhari peak can be seen from here in clear weather. Ride back to Paro and give goodbye to your motorbikes. Enjoy the last evening in Bhutan. |
6 |
Departure |
Program subject to flight time. After that drop to airport and departure from Bhutan. Optionally depart to Phuntsholing/Jaigon land border with India. |